Minister praises efforts of emergency services

Home Affairs Minister Juan Watterson MHK has praised the work of the emergency services in responding to last week’s flash floods.

The Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service and Civil Defence Unit were at the forefront of efforts to deal with problems caused by persistent heavy rain.

Fire crews from Douglas, Laxey, Ramsey, Castletown and Port Erin responded to 60 incidents of flooding as more than an inch of rain fell in the space of four hours.

Fire appliances pumped out domestic and commercial properties and firefighters worked alongside Civil Defence volunteers and staff from the Department of Infrastructure to distribute sandbags to householders in the worst affected areas.

The Emergency Services Joint Control Room started to receive flood-related calls from 3.40pm on Thursday and fire crews continued to respond to incidents throughout the afternoon and evening.

Minister Watterson said: ‘The severe weather brought the work of the emergency services into sharp focus and once again they responded in a swift, professional and effective manner. Fire crews worked tirelessly to assist local householders over a period of several hours, often in very challenging circumstances. Officers not only dealt with flooding at several locations across the Island, they also responded to a chimney fire and a variety of other operational incidents during a very busy few hours.’

He added: ‘I’d also like to pay tribute to the team of volunteers from the Civil Defence Unit who play such a crucial role in multi-agency incidents such as this. Their support is extremely valuable and provides added reassurance to the local community.’